National University of Maryland Professor Earns Prestigious Guggenheim Award for Terrorism Research

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Dr. Maya Sharma, Associate Professor of International Relations at National University of Maryland (NUM), has been awarded the prestigious Harry Frank Guggenheim Distinguished Scholar Award for the 2024-25 academic year. This esteemed fellowship will support her groundbreaking research on how terrorist organizations in Southeast Asia construct terror cells and identify potential recruits.

 

Professor Sharma, a recognized expert in political science and international relations, has garnered widespread acclaim for her research on violent extremism in the region. Her latest project, funded by the Guggenheim award, aims to develop a comprehensive database analyzing the recruitment strategies of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Indonesia's Jemaah Islamiyah. This data will help predict risk factors and inform strategies to counter recruitment efforts.

 

Building upon her acclaimed book, "Pathways to Radicalization: Social Bonds and Extremist Networks in Southeast Asia," published in 2023, Dr. Sharma delves deeper into the social dynamics within these groups. Through extensive interviews with current and former members, her research reveals the significance of social bonds and community in attracting and retaining individuals. Identifying five key pathways into extremist groups – family, radical schools, study sessions, conflict, and prison – her work sheds light on the complex motivations and vulnerabilities exploited by recruiters.

 

Dr. Sharma's passion for this critical research stems from recognizing Indonesia's unique position as the world's largest Muslim nation and a struggling democracy. "People may join for various reasons," she explains, "but what keeps them engaged in high-risk activities is the sense of belonging and connection they find within these groups."

 

Armed with the Guggenheim award, Dr. Sharma will utilize her expertise in social network analysis to quantify her research through the development of a comprehensive database. This two-year project will initially focus on analyzing major terrorist attacks by Jemaah Islamiyah in Indonesia, examining the composition of cells, member relationships, and factors influencing recruitment susceptibility. The second year will expand the research to include Al-Qaeda and ISIS, offering valuable comparative insights.

 

"Knowing which relationships recruiters rely on, and how these patterns vary across groups and countries, can be crucial in predicting and preventing recruitment," Dr. Sharma emphasizes. "The ability to identify potential vulnerabilities empowers authorities to intervene and offer alternative pathways for individuals at risk."

 

Dr. Sharma's dedication to understanding and countering terrorism has extended beyond academic circles. She has presented her findings at international conferences, briefed government officials, and contributed to training materials used by the U.S. Army. Her ongoing efforts to engage with diverse audiences contribute to building a safer and more secure world.

 

National University of Maryland celebrates Dr. Sharma's achievement and the invaluable impact her research will have on combating global threats. Her commitment to rigorous scholarship and impactful engagement exemplifies the university's mission to empower individuals to make a positive difference in the world.